Mercedes Readies Electric Buses with Solid-State Batteries

Daimler AG’s Mercedes-Benz unit has won a contract to supply 56 electric buses, including 41 with next-generation solid-state batteries, for use in Wiesbaden, Germany.

Deliveries of 15 eCitaro buses with current-generation lithium-ion batteries will start later this year. The remaining 41 buses with solid-states batteries will be shipped next year.

Solid-state batteries, which use glass rather than liquid electrolytes, have a higher energy density, which enables longer driving ranges between charges.

In the eCitaro buses, 12 lithium-ion battery packs will provide a total capacity of 292 kWh. The buses with the solid-state batteries will use seven packs that generate 441 kWh.

Mercedes estimates that the eCitaro with solid-state technology can meet 70% of daily bus routes requirements without recharging. The company also is developing a supplemental fuel cell system to further extend range.

The buses will be operated by ESWE Verkehrsgesellschaft in Wiesbaden. Mercedes with work with local partners to build a recharging infrastructure for the fleet.